PALE IMITATION: Wenger has been shattered by the loss of RVP (pic: Getty)
Arsenal v Sunderland
Saturday 3pm, Emirates Stadium
Arsenal have again found themselves the talk of the summer transfer window in the Premier League, and once more it is all to do with a player heading for the exit door at the Emirates Stadium.
Last year, the Gunners had to endure the heartbreak of waving goodbye to Samri Nasri and Cesc Fabregas, while this year it’s Robin Van Persie who’s bidding farewell to the Gunners while Alex Song moves ever closer to a deal with Barcelona.
But life must go on and Arsene Wenger will need to lift the spirits of the rest of his squad when they get their 2012/13 Premier League campaign underway against Sunderland on Saturday afternoon.
The Black Cats are still peeping through the transfer window for a formidable strike partner to link up with Stephane Sessegnon. Wolves hitman Steven Fletcher has been rumoured for a move to the Stadium of Light, but nothing had been set in stone at the time of writing.
However, former Spurs forward Louis Saha has signed on the dotted line to bolster the ranks.
Martin O’Neill’s side are a huge 15/2 in Paddy Power’s online betting to sneak a shock victory at The Emirates, with the Gunners 2/5 favourites to get the new season off to a flier.
Arsenal beat Sunderland 2-1 when the two teams met in league action last season and the same scoreline on Saturday seems like a worthy punt.
Prediction: Arsenal to win 2-1 is a 13/2 chance online with Paddy Power.
